Authorities in South Carolina are grappling with the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy, Daryl Martinez Lowry, whose body was discovered in a local lake shortly after he was placed in a temporary foster home. Daryl was allegedly killed by two other teenagers, aged 17 and 16, who are currently in custody and face serious charges, including murder.
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On Monday, July 20, Daryl Lowry was said to have been involved in a confrontation at a boat dock in Modoc, South Carolina. According to an affidavit released by the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office, the two teenage suspects attacked Daryl, inflicting lacerations with a knife. Following this altercation, they reportedly held his head underwater, leading to his death.
The late discovery of Daryl’s body at Clark Hills Lake the same day shocked the local community. Law enforcement officials acted swiftly, detaining both Landen Moore, 17, and another unidentified 16-year-old linked to the incident. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) facilitated the arrests shortly after the tragedy unfolded.
Adding a distressed layer to the case, it has emerged that both suspects are foster children of local council chairman Bernie Hamby. Daryl was reportedly staying at Hamby’s home while awaiting a more permanent foster arrangement. Hamby, who has publicly shared his positive experiences in fostering, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
As news of Daryl’s death spread, an outpouring of grief and support came from his family and friends. A GoFundMe page established to assist Daryl’s relatives described him as an “amazing child full of life, love, and charisma.” His aunt shared heartfelt sentiments about his loving nature and the profound loss felt by his family and community.
“Justice will be served for you, my sweet nephew,” wrote Dutchess Lowry, Daryl’s aunt, on Facebook. “No child deserves what happened to you.” The sentiments echo the overarching community desire for justice and closure following such a devastating event.
Landen Moore has been formally charged with murder and is currently being held at the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office. Meanwhile, the status of the other juvenile involved remains uncertain, as he has been transferred to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. It is unclear if he has received any formal charges or if he has legal representation at this time.
The incident raises critical concerns about the safeguarding of vulnerable children in foster care systems. The fact that those involved in the tragic death of Daryl were also under care exacerbates the urgency for reform and oversight within such systems in the region.
Local residents have expressed their outrage and sadness over the event, highlighting the need for tougher measures to support the well-being of foster children and to ensure incidents like this do not occur again. As investigations continue and legal proceedings move forward, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice for Daryl Martinez Lowry.